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Wolf Farms won first place in this year’s annual Kona Coffee Classic Cupping Competition at Keauhou Beach Resort on the Big Island of Hawai’i. The farm, on four acres at the 1,400-foot elevation in Honaunau, is owned by Mark and Denise Wolf. “The balance and pleasing aftertaste made this Kona coffee the obvious winner,” said judge John King of Harold L. King & Co. “The overwhelming final fragrance was the tipping factor.” Hawaiian King Coffee in Holualoa, owned by Christopher Kim, won second place, while Healani Farms took third. Sixty-one Kona coffee farms submitted 50-pound samples to the blind taste test, although just five pounds were entered into the cupping competition.
Wolf Farms won the competition and it doesn’t have a website. I’m elated. It’s refreshing to know of a business focused on what it does best: growing, roasting and merchandising (locally) the very best. In this case, it’s the best Kona coffee in all of Hawai’i.
In a world where socializing via the internet is quickly replacing authentic/real interaction, Wolf Farms quietly staked its flag in the ground. Rather than mass-market its organic coffee beans, Wolf Farms will sell their coffee beans from Honaunau (pronounced: “hoe-now-now”) to visitors who visit the coffee ranch. With a Kona Coffee Festival win, demand for its beans will be very high for the foreseeable future.
Congratulations on the win and a hearty thanks for maintaining a non-retailization mantra. Aloha käkou.
If you want to go retail, herein are the web addresses of several small Kona coffee operations who’ve elected to maintain a web presence. Most of these websites are simple, small and clean. Yes, they’ve elected to market their product via the net, but they’ve stayed true (for the most part) to their craft. Mahalo loa for doing so: Pele Plantations Kona Coffee, Aikane Kona Coffee, Kona King Coffee, Lehula Coffee Farms, Hubbard & Sons Kona Coffee, Keke Lani Estate Coffee, Kona Coffee, Kuaiwi Farm, Mahina Mele Farm, Moki’s Farm and Mongoose Mountain Farm. All of which are authentic, 100% Kona coffee growers and roasters. Remember, if it’s not 100% Kona coffee it’s not Kona.
Ok then. I’m ready for my second cup of Blue Horse.
Sip oneth.
Twenty-two years ago in KONA, Hawaii, coffee industry insiders conducted the first blind tasting to judge Kona coffee as part of the Kona Coffee Cultural Festival. Twenty-two years later, Gevalia Kona Coffee Cupping Competition is recognized as the premier cupping for selecting the finest Kona coffee in the state. Learn first hand which distinctive characteristics define gourmet Kona coffee by a panel of cupping judges when the Gevalia Kona Coffee Cupping Competition makes its appearance Wednesday, November 11 and Thursday, November 12, 2009 at the Keauhou Beach Resort. The very place we’ve vacationed – twice in the last year.
Over 60 Kona coffee farmers enter their finest work for this competitive judging beginning with the preliminary round on Wednesday, November 11. Each Kona coffee farm submits a 75-pound parchment sample from which five pounds are actually entered. Every entry must conform to a very simple rule: each coffee bean in the sample must have been grown on the entrant’s farm, and the farm must have some commercial tie to the Kona coffee industry. All submitted coffee beans undergo identical milling to ensure the same consistency. Since 2001, Mountain Thunder has served as the official master miller.
The coffee samples, both green and roasted, are placed on a rectangular table for the judges to independently evaluate. Scores are based on four positive attributes—fragrance and aroma, taste, acidity and body—and three negative attributes—freshness, off flavors and defects. The best Kona coffees receive scores in the mid-range of a five-point system.
The top 15 Kona coffee entries advance from the first day’s preliminary round. The competition heats up on the second day, when the Kona coffee farm producing the winning gourmet flavor is revealed.
2009 Judging Panel
Dave Holfve, Master Taster, Gevalia Kaffe
Previously he served as the apprentice to Willy Pettersson, long-time Gevalia cupping judge who retired this year. David participated in his first Kona cupping competition in 2008. Holfve says he has the best job at Gevalia. He tastes 150 to 200 cups of coffee daily at their headquarters in Sweden. Dave must approve every lot of coffee before its shipped. When he first started the job, he had a hard time falling asleep. But that’s about the only downside to being Gevalia’s newest Master Taster.
Sherri Johns, WholeCup Coffee Consulting, LLC
Sherri Johns, industry coffee specialist and retail consultant, is one of only a few that bridge the gap between producers and consumers of specialty coffee. John is president of WholeCup Coffee Consulting, LLC a firm that specializes in global professional coffee and barista education, developing and expanding cafe, roaster and coffee retail concepts and locations and producer of the international event “Iron Chef of Coffee” the Ultimate Barista Challenge. Sherri began in the specialty coffee business in 1976 as a barista. Within three years she was awarded “Champion Barista” in one of the earliest Barista Championships. Sherri is an astute cupper, recognized as Head Judge in the esteemed program Cup of Excellence since 2002.
John King, Harold L. King & Company, California
This third generation coffee importer of green coffees from around the world has been in the coffee business for over 20 years. King’s family operates Harold L. King & Co., one of the oldest, largest and most respected coffee importing companies in the nation. John has acquired a unique knowledge of all facets of the coffee trade and has cupped thousands of coffees from around the world.
Complimenting the Gevalia Kona Coffee Cupping Competition, guests can peruse the extensive collection of coffee inspired works at the Gevalia Kona Coffee Art Exhibit. Visitors can view and purchase coffee artwork produced by local artists. The public is invited to vote for their favorite Kona coffee artist in a People’s Choice Award presentation.
The Kona Coffee Cultural Festival is supported by Hawaii Tourism Authority; County of Hawaii Department of Research and Development; Ueshima Coffee (UCC Hawaii) Corp.; Gevalia Kaffe; Kamehameha Schools; Keauhou Resort; KTA Super Stores; Hawaii Community Federal Credit Union and numerous corporate and community donors.
Gevalia Kona Coffee Cupping Competition
First Place Winners
2008 – Hoshide Farms
2007 – Kona Old Style/Kuaiwi Farm
2006 – Pearl Estate Organics
2005 – Rancho Aloha
2004 – Lafayette Coffee
2003 – Kona Coffee & Tea Company
2002 – Koa Coffee Plantation
2001 – Wood Captain Cook Estate
2000 – The Other Farm
1999 – Dragon Roast Coffee
1998 – Brockston Gate Estate
1997 – Terry Fitzgerald Estate
1996 – Keokea Kona Farm
1995 – Kona Kulana Farms
1994 – Perry Estate Farms
1993 – Keopu Mauka Lani Plantation
1992 – Kona Kulana Farms
1991 – Wailapa Farms
1990 – Island Girl Coffee
1989 – Wailapa Farms
1988 – Faye Takashiba
1987 – Tojiro Motoki
To learn more visit: www.konacoffeefest.com
As we work on the designs for my other half-sleeve, back and left leg, I’ve begun the process of capturing imagery and examples to guide the creation of a better looking back piece. The image herein (in outline form – the second step in the tattooing process) provides a lot of input for those seeking to do the same.
The broader design depicts several distinct tattoos or images which pulls together the distinct message. When considering back pieces, the integration with sleeves, lower back tattoos and/or neck imagery is important … if your intent is creative integration. I’ve noted that most folks are not interested in overall tattoo integration and design fit. They are instead interested in unique tattoos as stand alone pieces of art. Even fewer people attempt to create unique tattoos but assemble them in a manner which feels integrated. I firmly believe a plan of design helps when crafting an inked body.
“No man or woman is an island. To exist just for yourself is meaningless. You can achieve the most satisfaction when you feel related to some greater purpose in life, something greater than yourself.”
Denis Waitley
Many people love all-black tattoos and the vast amount of coverage by a black ink. Interestingly (as noted herein) the tattoo when fresh is very black. However, as the tattoo heals, it will often times turn a strong shade of gray as it peels and scars then back to black. It’s very important during this transitional phase to apply moisture (ask your artist for recommendations) that includes vitamin E. The inclusion of vitamin E helps in the healing process.
Two years ago I made a conscious decision to study the art of inking (the body). I’ve spent countless hours researching topic via the web, text and journals within the UTK library, and the databases of UTK’s online library system. Throughout my journey I’ve shared countless images and stories about the world of tattooing. Today, my website is visited by more than 10,000 surfers each week.
Standing on the sidelines I studied the art form and learned how to dissect the good, bad and ugly. If you take time out to review my website you’ll find some beautiful tattoos … but you’ll find many tattoos gone wrong. As my personal appreciation of the good stuff grew, I studied the work of well-known artists (living and deceased). Throughout the journey I envisioned becoming a kindred member of the 5000+ year-old tattoo club, and the probability or eventuality of being inked.
Tattooing of the body dates to at least 3300 B.C. as evident from the markings on “Otzi the Iceman.” Tattoos found on Egyptian and Nubian mummies date to 2000 B.C.; classical authors mention the use the use of tattoos in connection with Greeks, ancient Germans, Thracians, and ancient Britons. The same can be said of tattoos within the Oceania region, but history is not preserved in a written context to verify its origins there. Many researchers believe Oceania inhabitants considered tattooing an ancient custom to mark taboos and/or to embody magic in the person adorning the ink.
James Cook, an accomplished cartographer (who mapped the Hawaiian Islands), and his colleague, Joseph Banks (a botanist) gathered first-hand observational data from their voyages within the Oceania region. They were tasked with observing the people, animals and plants they encountered in the region. Cook and Banks clearly understood the process of inserting blue dye under the skin because they witnessed many an islander being inked via pointed bones and simple tapping devices made of wood.
Until Cook and Banks “observed” the process, descriptions of the process were awkwardly described and typically without accuracy. Joseph Banks is the credited inventor of the word “tattoo” derived from the Tahitian word ‘tatau.’ According to Maarten Hesselt van Dinter in his book, The World of Tattoo, “tattooing gained its identity as a distinct art form with the invention of the word.” I firmly believe observational data can provide anyone … including all those who fearful of tattoos … with sufficient information to embrace the art form.
Tattoos abound among my cycling buddies – many of whom sport numerous watermarks and full-sized tats. When you ride, train and race with the same group of guys, most of the conversation centers on family, professions, travels, and on occasion, tattoos. When asked about a tattoo, each and every conversation ended with the same advice (about getting inked): “create a design that you can live with for a lifetime and/or make damn sure the artist is just that — an artist.”
An attorney friend (with more than 10 tattoos) led me to person he trusts – an artist with an established reputation and full command of the iron. The artist who inked him – and now me – is Dale Johnson, owner of Mythical Markings located in Knoxville, Tennessee. Johnson is a gifted artist who produces tattoos that are highly creative and tight. The art deck on Mythical Markings website will give you a brief overview of his creativity.
In September I stopped by to introduce myself and talk about getting inked. Naturally my white shirt, tie and pressed pants seemed odd. Dale actually backed up – thinking I was either a salesman or a lawyer. He relaxed when I said, “Josh sent me.” We sat and reviewed my reference material and talked about creating a unique and custom design. Throughout our conversations we discussed each creative element or component, and the intended meaning(s) to be conveyed through the design. The final design that we agreed upon resulted in the creation of original artwork reflective of my input and my interests.
Herein are the photos of my tattoo outlined after our first session. This was the first step in the process of creating Koali`i – in outline form. While sitting in the chair Dale asked me to describe the pain. Curiously I answered with … “it feels like a scalpel is dragging across my skin with a sharp pin repeatedly paving the way for the blade.” He told me that answering the question while in the chair would help me remember. Surely it did.
Two weeks after the outline was inked in and completed, I revisited Mythical Markings for an extension to the original tattoo design. We added five crucifixes to the top, and Dale completed the fill-in work at the top of the half-sleeve and face of Koali`i. Once again, Dale asked me about the pain and I provided an entirely different answer. “The fill-in work is easier to take when you give in but it’s difficult to let go and accept the pain.” One spot hurt much more than any other (including the back side of my arm). For some reason the scarred skin of my smallpox shot was super-sensitive and alarmingly painful when inked.
For most of the 3.5 hours I didn’t give into the pain – in other words my arm was tense as I resisted the iron. There were minutes when I gave into the pain, but for the most part I fought it. This proved to be a mistake because for the next four days the muscles in my left arm were extremely sore. I learned something, and it applies to life itself: when pain comes (and it surely will) – give into it. Allow it to exist – don’t fight it. As HRH the Dalai Lama once said, “pain is inevitable, suffering is optional.”
Herein are the images from my second sitting at Mythical Markings:
Another week passed and the calendar turned to October 31st – the final sitting for my first half-sleeve. We booked four hours for the fill-in work to make sure we were able to complete the half-sleeve. I was much more conversational during this session than in the previous two. Relaxing and giving into the pain helped tremendously. The mental process is actually very simple: separate your mind from your body and allow it to happen. While the needle was moving across my skin I accepted the pain and relaxed.
The needle isn’t “angry” nor is the artist applying the ink. The needle has no feelings – it is merely in a position to work at the command of the artist. The ink session was clearly the most painful of all three sittings (because of such a huge area being filled), but I was much more relaxed.
Finding a tattoo artist – some simple advice: Although tattooing isn’t heart survey, you’d best locate an artist whose life is committed to the profession. In other words, find a “Dale Johnson.” And if you can’t find one in your part of the world, then fly your happy ass to Knoxville, Tennessee. I highly suggest that you call ahead, talk with Brooke and secure an appointment. Dale is booked almost everyday.
Ok then. When I say, “inketh oneth” it officially applies to me.
The photo herein probably appeared in my website somewhere back in the last few months, but it’s so vibrant that I wanted to share it again. Funny how WordPress isn’t allowing us the bandwidth to showcase images at the resolution we prefer. None the less, you can almost smell the sweet flower and the ocean spray in the background. If you can’t – then you need to figure out why!
Aloha.
Hilo: the air you breathe may be mixed with traces of volcanic ash, snow falling on Mauna Kea and salt spray from the sea. Mostly, it rains, fueling gushing waterfalls and watering exotic flowers that bloom in formal botanical gardens and at farmers markets. One of the wettest towns in the United States, Hilo’s average rainfall is about 128 inches a year. Gortex is the city’s official fabric.
Hilo, with a population 40,759, is Hawai’i Island’s seat of government and the site of the University of Hawaii’s Hilo branch. Yes, I’m there this semester. ‘Imiloa Astronomy Center and the annual Merrie Monarch Festival are major visitor attractions; I’ve not yet enjoyed either of these.
Hilo is blessed with an indomitable spirit. After the 1946 and 1960 tsunamis wiped out much of the bustling waterfront town, the center of government and commercial life shifted, leaving the town in disrepair. Today the city of Hilo retains the aura of a Pacific trading port and is committed to the continued revitalization of the city center. At the same time, the community is dedicated to the preservation of its historic character.
I’ve attached a photo of the Hilo Hotel (1950’s) – reminding all of us who love Hawai’i that it’s a blessed place to visit or live. Aloha.
Primo means the best … primo waves (best waves), primo hoaloha (best friend), primo ‘ono (the best ono fish). It’s also the name of a beer that’s been around since 1897.
Primo is Hawai’i’s original beer and has been a part of the Islands ever since. Well, it took a break from production and rested for a while, but Primo has returned to the Islands.
I snagged a Primo ad from long ago – when Ka Primo Beer was tasty, like a fine mist from the ocean. It still is today. Aloha.
Hawai’i in English; Hawaiian > Mokuʻāina o Hawaiʻi .. which is the 50th state, and is the only state made up entirely of islands. It is located on an archipelago in the central Pacific Ocean, southwest of the continental United States, southeast of Japan, and northeast of Australia. The state was admitted to the Union on August 21, 1959. Its capital is Honolulu on the island of Oʻahu. The most recent census estimate puts the state’s population at 1,283,388.
The state encompasses nearly the entire volcanic Hawaiian Island chain, which comprises hundreds of islands spread over 1,500 miles (2,400 km). At the southeastern end of the archipelago, the eight “main islands” are (from the northwest to southeast) Niʻihau, Kauaʻi, Oʻahu, Molokaʻi, Lānaʻi, Kahoʻolawe, Maui, and Hawaiʻi. The last is by far the largest, and is often called the “Big Island” or “Big Isle” to avoid confusion with the state as a whole. This archipelago is physiographically and ethnologically part of the Polynesian subregion of Oceania, i.e., it’s way outeth in the middle of the Pacific. Aloha.
Many colleges and universities experienced decreases in enrollment this fall. At UTK for example, enrollment is down 400 students. Although, I’m enrolled in a Masters in Education program, my single student status had little impact. At UH (University of Hawai’i), Hilo, enrollment gained 210 students, or 5.5 percent over the previous year.
Although I’m one of those enrolled (online) taking Hawaiian studies (first year Hawaiian), my single student status had little impact. For UH, this year’s boost extends a steady, upward period of growth dating back to 1998. Interestingly I just learned that a mere 7,500 (est) people are learning to speak Hawaiian worldwide. On that front, my single student status has and does make a difference. Whoa! Can you imagine – an estimated 7,500. Even though the UH experience is much more intense and certainly much more difficult, it’s a lot more rewarding.
I’m enjoying the pünana leo (language nest). Aloha.
If there is a Paul Harvey ending then I learned of it today: President McKinley annexed Hawai’i because of the growing presence of Japanese in the Hawaiian Islands. He and his military leaders knew the inevitable and were prepared to do the very thing that Japan (if it had its way) would have done: stake claim to the Islands. Now then. I’ll rest a bit easier tonight – still believing in Hawaiian sovereignty. Aloha
The missionaries, early in their labors of teaching and preaching, attempted to stamp out the hula, which they found most objectionable. In 1830, Kuhina-nui Ka’ahumana, by then a convert to Christianity forbade public hula performances. The fun-loving young Kamehameha III, after Ka’ahumanu’s death, relaxed this edict and other strict practices. But by 1835 he followed the wishes of his missionary advisors and again barred the hula.
During these years knowledgeable elders in the country districts, away from the mission stations, taught the hula. People of influence in these areas invited the dancers into their homes to entertain. In this way the hula traditions were kept alive.
Kalakaua is credited with the revival of the hula, the recitation of the mele hula, and the use of the instruments associated with the dance. These performances were a colorful part of the entertainment at his court and at his coronation in 1993. Again at the King’s 50th birthday jubilee in 1886, he was honored with many public performances of the hula. These dances revived at Kalakaua’s time and those remembered from still earlier days are called today the hula kahiko – the ancient dances.
There are many styles of hula because it is a major form of communication and celebration throughout the Pacific. Typically, hula ‘varities’ are commonly divided into two broad categories:
Ancient hula, as performed before Western encounters with Hawaiʻi. The Hawaiian word is kahiko (ka he koo). It is accompanied by chant and traditional instruments.
Hula as it evolved under Western influence, in the 19th and 20th centuries, is called ʻauana (ah~ou ahna). It is accompanied by song and Western-influenced musical instruments such as the guitar, the ʻukulele, and the double bass.
Hula, ‘watch the hands’ because those communicate so very much. Aloha.
Drive to South Point on the Big Island and get ready for a hike – or just take your 4×4 (as we did) to access Green Sand Beach. If you hike, sturdy shoes and plenty of water are essential to making the trek worthy of your day. The trail is approximately two and a half miles long (one way). As you near the Green Sand Beach, you’ll get your first look at the remnants of a cinder cone which is the source of the green sand. Visible just above the rim is a glimpse of the olivines being washed down the slope.
The cinder cone is mostly eroded, only a fragment remains. The rapid erosion rate provides a contsant source of olivines for the beach sand. High wave energy of the beach washes the other grain types out to sea, however it also eventually wash away the olivines. Only the rapid erosion rate of the cinder cone keeps the beach supplied with its green sand. Eventually the last of the cinder cone will be completely eroded and the beach will look like any other.
For me this was a highlight of my second visit to the Big Island of Hawai’i. I’m certain to return … hopefully on a more permanent basis. Aloha.
The Hawaiian Islands are currently occupied by a strong and resourceful US military presence. While I don’t have the details I assume it includes thousands of military personnel, ample munitions and thousands of tactical vehicles. The unusual mix of US-bases located on each of the Islands places Hawai’i in the position of being considered a target by those who aspire to flex their new missile might. Aka the Koreans.
The Pentagon’s leading military strategists purport that the Islands are out of range (today), but that may not be the case if North Korea continues improving its missile program.
The thought of such a threat is certainly on the minds of many residents who stay in touch with current events. In the news less than 24 hours ago was a statement from military leaders stationed in Hawai’i that the Islands are being “fortified” against a potential attack from the Koreans. (I inserted a “WTF” in my header today – with a suggestive undertone that we go over and kick some Korean ass – - only those in charge of the missile program though.)
Hawai’i has a hoisted floating radar station. I highly suggest that it be “manned.” Ergo, let’s not repeat Pearl Harbor boys. All I can say is this: Kim Jong-il-stupid-dip-weed – if you target the Hawaiian Islands, our new President (who is from Hawai’i) will give you a wake up call destined to be your last. In the meantime, I suggest that we ship some liquid Aloha to the “eternal” leader, Kim Jong-il. Hook him up with some northern lights and turn on The Dog. Enough for now. Aloha.
There are few places on earth where the people of a region literally love the land. I’m talking en masse – not just a few individuals but many, many people – and for a long period of time. In the case of Hawai’i – it’s been hundreds of years. Most visitors to the Islands of Hawai’i may not know why they “enjoy it so much,” or “love the experience.”
I believe it’s very simple – it’s because native Hawaiians respect the land (Aloha ‘Aina), the ocean, the waves, the inhabitants of the ocean, the sand, the trees, flowers, the animals, etc. Most visitors do not understand why they feel better while there. They assume it’s because of isolation, the sand, roaring surf, cool Pacific breezes, a naturally slower pace, or a myriad of other factors – each one personal and specific to an individual. Truly it’s centered about a simple but very important word, “Aloha.” This word, meaning breath of life, is the connection between native Hawaiians and the land, ocean and sky. I liken it to the relational connection between a husband and wife.
I suspect it’s the reason that Hawai’i has the highest number of repeat visitors of any leisure destination in the world. Whatever the reason(s), please respect it – it’s the crown jewel of the Pacific.
Aloha and mahalo for reading my blog.
In 1887 Queen Victoria celebrated her Golden Jubilee, and from every corner of the Empire loyal subjects flocked to pay homage to England’s greatest queen. The place of the celebration was the gardens of Buckingham Palace. While listening to the music of an Austrian band all eyes were centered upon a dusky exotic visitor who was seated beside Queen Victoria. She was Queen Lili’uokalani, Regent of the Hawaiian Islands. Herein is the conversation between the Queen of Hawai’i and the Queen of England.
Queen Lili’uokalani: Your Majesty, I have had a lovely time at your party, but I must go.
Queen Victoria: Oh, so soon, Princess Lili’uokalani?
Queen Lili’uokalani: Yes, your Majesty, you see I have received word that my sister died. I am very sad and I want to get back to Hawaii as soon as possible. I am leaving tonight.
Queen Victoria: I am inexpressibly sorry – and it is indeed unfortunate that you have to go so soon because the conductor of the orchestra was going to play this next number for you.
Queen Lili’uokalani: That is very kind.
Queen Victoria: Oh – they are starting now. We thought it might be particularly appealing to you, it is an old Austrian folk song – “Die Traene.”
Queen Lili’uokalani: I am deeply honored Your Majesty, and of course I’ll stay. Oh, Your Majesty,
Queen Victoria: My dear Princess – you’re crying!
Queen Lili’uokalani: Oh, Your Majesty, I am so deeply grateful to you.
Queen Victoria: For what, my dear?
Queen Lili’uokalani: For this song, it was so beautiful. In this moment of my great sorrow it has helped me so. It sounded like a ‘farewell” to my dead sister. I shall never forget it as long as I live!
Queen Lili’uokalani did not forget that old Austrian folk song. When she returned to Hawaii she wrote a poem of farewell to her sister who had died. “Farewell to thee, thou charming one who dwells among the flowers.“ And to this poem she added the music of the old Austrian folk song.
Yes, that beautiful Austrian folk song is now known throughout the world today — the most famous song of the Hawaiian Islands — “Aloha Oe.”
The songs on Ata Damasco’s album, Pa’ina (Hawaiian feast – translation) are now some of my favorites among a Hawaiian collection of songs totaling more than 2,000. The songs range from a party favorite like `Ai Kakou and Mauna Loa to seldom recorded vintage treasures like He Aloha No `O Waianae and Lena Machado’s Holau (with an English verse given by Aunty Lena to Uncle Larry Arieta, who taught it to Ata).
A gifted multi-instrumentalist, Ata plays all of the rhythm instruments, much of the lead (piano, ukulele, guitar) and all of the bass on his celebrated and battered 100-year-old upright bass with its weed-whip-chord strings. He is ably assisted by steel guitarists Dwight Tokumoto, Vinton Castro, and Charlie Kealoha Fukuba, and guitarists Jonathon Ka`onohi and Jeff Costello. Cody Pueo Pata, Kaiolohia Funes Smith, and the Na Leo Malu Trio add some backing vocals. My favorite song on the album is “Pua ‘Ahihi.” I’ve listened to that song with more sunsets than any other song in my iTunes library. Check it out – Aloha.
The Mauna Kea Silver Sword (Argyroxiphium sandwicense ssp. sandwicense) is a crown jewel of Hawaii’s native flora. The plant is named for its mountain habitat and its striking rosette of dagger-shaped leaves covered with dense layers of silvery hairs. The rosettes appear jewel-like in the cinder and lava fields on the upper slopes of Mauna Kea volcano, especially when water condenses on the leaves as clouds pass by. I’ve touched (briefly) the Silver Sword – and it felt somewhat like plastic and seemed unnatural. It appeared to be more of a movie set prop than a living plant
Large rosettes, which can be 2 feet in diameter at maturity, produce a massive, 6-foot tall flowering stalk with up to 600 showy heads, each containing up to 500 individual flowers. The Mauna Kea Silver Sword is a member of the Silver Sword alliance, an endemic plant lineage in the sunflower family (Asteraceae), that is one of Hawaii’s premier examples of adaptive radiation.
Though species in the Silver Sword alliance grow in a dazzling array of habitats and exhibit great variation in form, they evolved from a single ancestor that arrived in Hawaii several million years ago from North America, probably as a seed caught in the feathers of a wandering bird. Alas, the Silver Sword is both a plant and an animal. Aloha.
The book, Hawaii – The Fake State: a nation in captivity, by Aran Alton Ardaiz, is the summary or evaluation of findings after more than 28 years of political review and lawful study. Aran conducted a long running investigation to evaluate facts of law related to Hawaii’s state of grace. He studied in detail all events related to the unlawful actions by the Federal United States Government and its deceptive and fraudulent claim over a foreign, sovereign and “neutral” nation of Hawai’i.
In his book, The Fake Sate, he reviews actual evidence of misleading legal documents of false claim for a Statehood in the American Union of States that does not lawfully exist and that can never exist. It is a revelation of past historical events with supporting documentation revealing to a new generation of Americans and Hawaiian Citizens how they have lost their birth names and birthrights.
Queen Lilo’uokalani would be proud. Aloha.
Gone-gone with the wind. The Superferry is now done-done. No worries, if the owners of the big boat attempt to return to the Islands I’m certain that the folks from Boycott Hawai’i Superferry will be on the case like a big case of stink eye when entering a locals-only beach.
Agreeably the Superferry was a bad idea and the result of some corporate types looking to make money on Hawaii’s uniqueness rather than contributing to the true success and enhancement of the Islands.
To fully appreciate Hawaiian culture, one must first understand its basic difference from western culture and eastern culture. Western culture is based, in large part, on what a person possesses. Eastern culture is based more on the person and one’s desire to learn more about oneself.
Hawaiian culture, however, like most Polynesian cultures, is based on the land.
The Kanaka Maoli (indigenous natives), are one with the land. As the renowned Hawaiian storyteller, “Uncle Charlie” Maxwell, says, “the land which is the basis of the culture, with its streams, mountains, beaches and oceans, must be held in reverence and protected as it was in ancient times … the historical sites, burials, language, arts, dances, canoe migrations, etc., will have to be promoted, nurtured and preserved.”
Ergo the phrase aloha ‘aina is “super” foreign to the Superferry owners.
Aloha.
The Hawai’i Superferry is no longer in operation. In theory the concept seemed appropriate because it provided a low-cost solution for inter-island transportation. While some folks are “upset” about its departure from the Islands, many locals are excited. My personal stance rests with locals who are much more attuned to the inter-island ferry’s affects upon vehicle traffic patterns, drug movement and the movement of wildlife from one Island to another.
However, the Superferry created a myriad of problems with one standout – whales were sliced open as massive keels cut through the ocean at 14’ depths. During winter whale migration season, ferry operations (with no use of radar), traveled at high speed (37 knots—about 43 mph) in the open Pacific basically churning any wildlife in its path. The Superferry hit several whales and their calves killing them in the process. Along with increased traffic on roads already crowded, the Superferry had very few locals cheering them toward success.
I believe the correct phrase for their departure is “Aloha.”
“Therefore, men of Polynesia and Boston and China and Mount Fuji and the barrios of the Philippines, do not come to these islands empty-handed, or craven of spirit, or afraid to starve. There is no food here. In these islands there is no certainty. Bring your own food, your own gods, your own flowers, and fruits and concepts. For if you come without resources to these islands you will perish.” James A. Michener, Hawai’i.
After a search of the internet (brief search), I found the online version of “Hawaii’s Story” which I recently read while visiting Hawai’i. If you’ve not had the opportunity to read the book then click the link. You’ll find the book somewhat difficult to follow at first, but once you understand the gate of Queen Lili’uokalani’s writing style, it flows nicely. She talks about her childhood, her schooling, her travels, her marriage, the deaths of Ali’i and so much more. After reading her story, you’ll know why and how America took Hawai’i away from its people. And when you see the Hawaiian flag upside down, you’ll know why Hawai’i is in distress. Aloha.
Queen Liliuokalani was deposed by the advocates of a Republic for Hawaii in 1893. Lili’uokalani married a ha’ole, John Owen Dominis on September 16, 1862. Dominis would eventually serve the monarchy as the Governor of O’ahu and Maui. They had no children and according to her private papers and diaries, the marriage was not fulfilling. Dominis died shortly after she assumed the throne, and the queen never remarried.
Upon the death of her brother, King Kalakauam Lili’uokalani ascended the throne of Hawaii in January 1891. One of her first acts was to recommend a new Hawaii constitution, as the “Bayonet Constitution” of 1887 limited the power of the monarch and political power of native Hawaiians. In 1890, the McKinley Tariff began to cause a recession in the islands by withdrew the safeguards ensuring a mainland market for Hawaiian sugar. American interests in Hawaii began to consider annexation for Hawaii to re-establish an economic competitive position for sugar. In 1893, Queen Liliuokalani sought to empower herself and Hawaiians through a new constitution which she herself had drawn up and now desired to promulgate as the new law of the land. It was Queen Lili’uokalani’s right as a sovereign to issue a new constitution through an edict from the throne. A group led by Sanford B. Dole sought to overthrow the institution of the monarchy. The American minister in Hawaii, John L. Stevens, called for troops to take control of Iolani Palace and various other governmental buildings. In 1894, the Queen, was deposed, the monarchy abrogated, and a provisional government was established which later became the Republic of Hawaii.
In 1893, James H. Blount, newly appointed American minister to Hawaii, arrived representing President Grover Cleveland. Blount listened to both sides, annexationists and restorationists, and concluded the Hawaiian people aligned with the Queen. Blount and Cleveland agreed the Queen should be restored. Blount’s final report implicated the American minister Stevens in the illegal overthrow of Liliuokalani. Albert S. Willis, Cleveland’s next American minister offered the crown back to the Queen on the condition she pardon and grant general amnesty to those who had dethroned her. She initially refused but soon she changed her mind and offered clemency. This delay compromised her political position and President Cleveland had released the entire issue of the Hawaiian revolution to Congress for debate. The annexationists promptly lobbied Congress against restoration of the monarchy. On July 4, 1894, the Republic of Hawaii with Sanford B. Dole as president was proclaimed. It was recognized immediately by the United States government.
In 1895, Lili’uokalani was arrested and forced to reside in Iolani Palace after a cache of weapons was found in the gardens of her home in Washington Place. She denied knowing of the existence of this cache and was reportedly unaware of others’ efforts to restore the royalty. In 1896, she was released and returned to her home at Washington Place where she lived for the next two decades. Hawaii was annexed to the United States through a joint resolution of the U. S. Congress in 1898. The “ex-”queen died due to complications from a stroke in 1917. A statue of her was erected on the grounds of the State Capital in Honolulu.
The Kanaka Maoli—or “native Hawaiian”—flag (right) is said to have been Kamehameha’s personal flag long before the modern Hawaiian flag. British navy Captain Lord George Paulet destroyed it when he took control of Hawaii for five months in 1843. Go figure – “Paulet” sucked! What an ass. I might add – “WTF!”
At the flag’s center is a green shield bearing a coat of arms, which include a kahili, the original Hawaiian royal standard, and two paddles, meant to represent the voyaging tradition of the Native Hawaiians.
The flag’s color scheme is red, yellow and green, meant to represent different groups within Hawaiian society. The yellow is symbolic of the alii, the powerful royal class. Red represents the konohiki, the landed caste that served the ali’i. Green signifies the makaainana, or commoners.
I noticed the Kanaka Maoli flag on a recent trip to the Big Island. It’s become popular in the community in recent years and can be found on everything from t-shirts to bumper stickers. I’ll be looking for one on my next trip – as I’ll be there Friday. This week. Aloha.
The two images herein are an attempt to use acrylics – and I’m not having much luck. The medium requires a “backward” process of dark to light paint layering because it dries so quickly. I took a few liberties with the photograph when translating it to a painting – which was taken in Hawai’i near Pu’uhonua o Honaunau. Aloha.
Protruding into Hilo Bay, just southeast of downtown, the Waiakea Peninsula is home to the Lili’uokalani Park and Gardens.
This beautiful and peaceful park in Hilo is dedicated to Queen Lydia Lili’uokalani – the greatly beloved and final Monarch of the Hawaiian islands. Queen Lili’uokalani ruled Hawai’i from January 17, 1891 until her illegal deposition on January 17, 1893 by American business, political, and military interests.
The 30-acre park grounds were donated by Queen Lili’uokalani for the purpose of creating this fantastic ornamental Japanese park which was built to honor the many hardworking Japanese immigrants who came to the Big Island to work the Waiakea Sugar Plantation. With over 30 acres this Yedo-style park is the largest true ornamental Japanese park outside of Japan, and is popular for tourists and locals alike.
Because the park sits on Hilo bay facing east, it has a perfect view of the morning sun as it rises over the majestic Pacific Ocean. This makes it one of the nicest places to come to, just before sunrise. Before the sun comes up you can find locals flinging fishnets into the ocean just on the other side of the park, catching the early morning hungry fish.
The park has various ’structures’ including a traditional Japanese Tea House named Shoroan. The chashitsu (tea room) was donated by the Fifteenth Grand Tea Master of Umsenke, named (Grand Tea Master SoshitsuSen). This house is used for tea ceremonies and can be booked for various events. The Tea House was destroyed by fire in 1994 (reportedly at the hands of high schoolers) but was rebuilt and stands proudly today.
A Japanese rock garden has been recently added to the park and the paths, walkways, and drive around the park were recently redone and are in excellent condition. While you may find signs of construction ‘here and there’ around the gardens, an indication that it is constantly being improved, most of the pristine 30 acres are nearly perfect in every aspect. Paths will take you up ornate bridges and over fishponds, only to take you down and through a shallow part of a pond. Because the park is at sea level, some of the fish ponds are open to the ocean through access beneath the road and this allows the tides to come up. Rising tides cause some of the paths to be watery, but this merely ads to the uniqueness and beauty of the area (this is a perfect place to wear rubbah slippahs or simply go barefoot).
Stonework is everywhere as are also half-moon bridges, gazebos, small pagodas, Torii gates, and much more. However, the layout is perfect allowing the eye plenty of time to enjoy and not be overwhelmed.
On our next visit, we’ll visit, enjoy, and relax at the beautiful Lili’uokalani Gardens in Hilo on the Big Island of Hawai’i. Like in three weeks.
In some cultures, Monday is held to be the first day of the week. In Asia – because the western calendar system was introduced only during the 20th century – many languages refer to Monday as the “day of the beginning”. For example, Monday is xingqi yi (星期一) in Chinese, meaning day one of the week. The international standard, ISO 8601, defines Monday as the first day of the week. Mondarrific to me. And the photo has nothing to do with Monday – it was taken on a Thursday. But I like the image. Vieweth oneth.
The attack on Pearl Harbor (or Hawaii Operation, as it was called by the Imperial General Headquarters) was a surprise military strike conducted by the Japanese navy against the United States’ naval base at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii on the morning of Sunday, December 7, 1941, later resulting in the United States becoming militarily involved in World War II. It was intended as a preventive action to keep the U.S. Pacific Fleet from influencing the war Japan was planning to wage in Southeast Asia against Britain, the Netherlands, and the United States. The attack consisted of two aerial attack waves totaling 353 aircraft, launched from six Japanese aircraft carriers.
The attack sank four U.S. Navy battleships (two of which were raised and returned to service late in the war) and damaged four more. The Japanese also sank or damaged three cruisers, three destroyers, and one mine layer, destroyed 188 aircraft, and caused personnel losses of 2,402 killed and 1,282 wounded. The power station, shipyard, maintenance, and fuel and torpedo storage facilities, as well as the submarine piers and headquarters building (also home of the intelligence section) were not hit. Japanese losses were minimal, at 29 aircraft and five midget submarines, with 65 servicemen killed or wounded.
The strike was intended to neutralize the U.S. Pacific Fleet, and hence protect Japan’s advance into Malaya and the Dutch East Indies, where Japan sought access to natural resources such as oil and rubber. Both the U.S. and Japan held long-standing contingency plans for war in the Pacific which were continuously updated as tensions between the two countries steadily increased during the 1930s, with the Japanese expansion into Manchuria and French Indochina greeted by steadily increased levels of embargoes and sanctions from the United States and other nations.
In 1940, under the authority granted by the Export Control Act, the U.S. halted shipments of airplanes, parts, machine tools, and aviation gasoline, and perceived by Japan as an unfriendly act. The U.S. did not stop oil exports to Japan at that time in part because prevailing sentiment in Washington was that such an action would be an extreme step, given Japanese dependence on U.S. oil, and likely to be considered a provocation by Japan.
Following Japanese expansion into French Indochina after the fall of France, the U.S. ceased oil exports to Japan in the Summer of 1941, in part because of new American restrictions on domestic oil consumption. President Franklin D. Roosevelt had earlier moved the Pacific Fleet to Hawaii and ordered a military buildup in the Philippines in the hope of discouraging Japanese aggression in the Far East. As the Japanese high command was (mistakenly) certain any attack on the United Kingdom’s Southeast Asian colonies would bring the U.S. into the war, a preventive strike appeared to be the only way for Japan to avoid U.S. naval interference. An invasion of the Philippines was also considered to be necessary by Japanese war plans, while for the U.S., re-conquest of the islands had been a given of War Plan Orange in the interwar years.
While the attack accomplished its intended objective, it was completely unnecessary. Isoroku Yamamoto, who conceived the original plan, didn’t know that the U.S. Navy had decided as far back as 1935 to abandon ‘charging’ across the Pacific towards the Philippines in response to an outbreak of war (in keeping with the evolution of Plan Orange). The U.S. instead adopted “Plan Dog” in 1940, which emphasized keeping the Imperial Japanese Navy out of the eastern Pacific and away from the shipping lanes to Australia while the U.S. concentrated on defeating Nazi Germany.
The attack was an important engagement of World War II. Unintentionally occurring before a formal declaration of war (which had been scheduled to be delivered shortly prior to the attack beginning), it pushed U.S. public opinion from isolationism to the acceptance of participation in the war being unavoidable. The lack of warning led Roosevelt to call it “a date which will live in infamy.”
It was cold all day – especially during the 5.5 hours on my bike. YUCKO. Several times I wanted to turn around and return home. Combined with a nagging injured left knee, the adventure wasn’t particularly ‘warm.’ All the mental images I drew from (during my ride) were of the beach (Kailua-Kona), the Pacific and of Hawaiian flowers (because they smell so darn good).
So, my photo of the day is “Pentas lanceolata,” otherwise known as Pentas. Where winters are not too severe, pentas are perennial. They may always be treated as an annual and replanted after danger of frost for long-lasting summer color. Frost? Who mentioned frost? Burr. Let’s just consider the day ‘done’ and move onward. Nuf said.
Aloha.
When looking into the camera sometimes we see cold scenes which appear stark and empty. More often than not, the abundant life is hidden from the focal point of the camera and buried in the background. Sea-side is a favorite location to capture images, like today’s photo …. which is brimming with life. Most of which is hidden. Naturally it feels cold, but it’s close to the ocean and just heartbeats away from the mainland. Aloha.
“The Sea, once it casts its spell,
holds one in its net of wonder forever.”
–Jacques Cousteau
Yes, I missed the mainland. I missed some of the folks at my office. I missed the smell of my home (it’s really nice), the leather seat smell in my car, my bicycle, and the other creature comforts of East Tennessee life. What I miss even more is a 10,700 square mile island whose name is Hawai’i.
Somewhere near sunset on Sunday, November 9th, our flight from KOA (Kona, Hawai’i) took off without delay. That sucked. Just about the time wheels “were up,” a baby in the back of the plane howled.
I muttered under my breath, “exactly!” And with that I looked out the window to gather one last glimpse of the Big Island. The 12 days were not enough. But a ’stay’ isn’t enough, is it? The bright side of this gig is simple: in less than 12 months I’ll be in Hawai’i twice. Yes, two times.
Aloha oe. Aloha.
This beautiful and peaceful park in Hilo is dedicated to Queen Lydia Lili’uokalani – the greatly beloved and final Monarch of the Hawaiian islands. Queen Lili’uokalani ruled Hawai’i from January 17, 1891 until her illegal deposition on January 17, 1893 by American business, political, and military interests. While there I took a bunch of photos – most of which were around high-noon – with direct sunlight just overhead. Ergo, it’s difficult to capture images without blowing them out. Here’s one that survived. Enjoy – aloha.
The drama over image spots began months ago, and I naturally thought it was my lens, not the sensor. Ergo, I cleaned both ends and kept going. Most of my shots were “ok” but there were a few that included blue skys and the nasty buggahs appeared. My “do-it-yourself” attitude arrived just after reading the manual regarding “manual cleaning.” HA! My photos were “ok” prior to my handiwork then corrupted afterward. Thank goodness for Lighthaus Cameras in Kona, Hawai’i. I found them in my (yes, my personal Hawai’i phonebook), but it was the article here that put my not-so-happy ass in the car to visit them. They have a super-kewl store, LOTS of cameras, lenses, filters, bags (Crumpler brand as well), and if you need it they have it. I was TOTALLY surprised – happy I might add. The sensor was spotted up and the dust inside was knee deep. Within an hour Lighthaus took my camera from yucko to perfecto. I returned back to the condo to pack my gear to leave for the day – and snapped this sunny photo prior to venturing South. Aloha.
The images herein are just two of the (many) photos I gathered yesterday while traveling to and from Hilo, Hawai’i. I visited Ken Cameron at Hilo Guitar and purchased a Kanile’a K-1 Tenor ukulele, toured Hilo and basically enjoyed a great vacation day. There is so much to see and do, and honestly I was overwhelmed by the beauty, sounds and views. While I want to share the entire journey, I need to get back to my Kona coffee and the Pacific. Enough for now.
Aloha.
I took these two images last night about 10PM – just before bedtime. The first thing you notice is it’s VERY dark outside. Literally no lights but the stars – and a few lights from Kona just a few miles away. So don’t let these images fool you – it’s super-dark. What you see is a :30 exposure (as in 30 seconds), and I did NOT re-touch these to give them the red glow. When you open them, click all the way to the full sized image – notice the stars in the background. What you see is what I captured.
I’m sipping my Kona coffee (grown and roasted nearby) – about ready to pack and get gone for the day. No need in letting the sunrise be missed. Plenty of time to nap later today. Aloha.
{Lunch location: Kona Canoe Club, Kona, Hawaii. October 29th, 2008}
Can you imagine how difficult it’s been to contain my enthusiasm about a vacation to Hawai’i?
Several months ago I stopped counting the number of people who asked me if I was excited. My external answer consistently was ‘why yes.’ My internal response was vastly different: “No, I cannot live that dream until the wheels touch ‘aina on Kona.” Had I uttered that response I’m certain many of my friends would have wondered if I was smoking pakalolo. (NO – I cannot afford to lose any of my lung capacity!) So, I quit sharing my vacation plans with everyone but the TLGE.
Honestly, what happens when we jump ahead? I mean, it’s easy to jump ahead with a magical thought of “Hawai’i.” Right?! What happens? We set up false expectations of how the journey will unfold, transpire or evolve. I was guilty of that with the TLGE. In fact, so much so that it nearly changed the course of the trip altogether. Nuf said about that for now, but seriously – let’s say you get ‘worked up’ over a trip to Hawai’i and somehow, nearing the date of departure, a close family member dies. Then what?
Change of plans? Yes, of course. Well, unless that family member sucked and you are glad they took the one-way elevator to Hell! LOL.
What goes on in our heads? I tell you what goes on … all sorts of crazy, 99.99999999999% inaccurate thoughts.
The more I’ve focused on staying in the moment, the more my coffee pot full of Kona coffee seemed to brew in my head.
As I picked out shoes to wear each day, the more my Reef flip-flops shouted, “wear me today.”
It gets worse.
When I donned my favorite Aloha shirt, the more my blog posts screamed Aloha and the more I fought the sweet life I live in East Tennessee “today.”
Early in the year I dealt with a particularly nasty asshole in my business world and frankly it was super draining, super disruptive and day-dreaming of Aloha was super easy. Staying in the moment was difficult. I stayed in the cold New England frame of mind because it helped me resolve the issues at hand.
My sister gave me a gift card for Christmas that I saved – for some reason. Each time I thought about going to Guitar Center to purchase a ukulele, I freaked out – thinking it was a leap into the future. Eventually I did purchase a uke, but it was much, much later in the year.
Over the last 9 months the more I’ve focused on ‘right now,’ the more SPF15 I needed. HA! And when my thoughts switched from day-dreaming to living in the future … whew … that’s all I could say. I struggled at times. However, I recognized the shift (just about every time) then immediately turned the channel back to the present moment.
Today when I heard “wheels up,” I officially went “live” with my vacation: Hawaiian tunes on the iPod, travel book in hand, and the MacBook ready for a pre-blog arrival post.
The fact is many folks consider a trip to Hawai’i a dream vacation. In other words, a vacation somewhat out of reach and if enjoyed it would be only once in a lifetime. As such, living it before it’s real can sabotage the enjoyment, relaxation and creation of unique memories. I liken it to folks who live out the Holidays long in advance and then are depressed with the outcome.
This trip marks my sixth visit to Hawai’i – which is an overt way to say Aloha wau ia Hawai’i. As long as I’m alive and the Islands of Hawai’i exist, I’ll continue to go – albeit at the expense of some retirement fund (who wants to surf when they’re 80 – or who can??).
The challenge of financing it, organizing it, making way for it, and living in the moment day-to-day makes the trip even more special (to me anyway). The process, in other words, is enjoyable and rewarding. That’s what I call “living in the moment.”
Now then, it’s here! Let’s get busy with vacationing “in the now.”
Aloha.
Plumeria are lovely, colorful, and fragrant flowers found in tropical regions of the world … especially Hawaii. Interestingly, they are most fragrant at night. So, the scent is stronger in the evening and used to make leis. Got it ; )
Even more interesting, they have no nectar. They are pollinated by moths which, in following the scent, transfer pollen between plants.
Plumeria are most known because they are one of the primary flowers used to make leis, the Hawaiian garland or wreath often associated with welcoming family or friends but are more commonly used in various celebrations such as birthdays and graduations. Though other flowers, such as the lehuna blossom, the orchid, and the maile leaf are used to make leis, plumeria (though a newcomer, historically) is the choice flower used. Naturally it’s beautiful to observe in nature (wild) and as a lei. The attached photo will serve as a good reference tool for those seeking a plumeria tattoo. Aloha.
Kilauea is the youngest and southeastern most volcano on the Big Island of Hawai`i. Topographically Kilauea appears as only a bulge on the southeastern flank of Mauna Loa, and so for many years Kilauea was thought to be a mere satellite of its giant neighbor, not a separate volcano. However, research over the past few decades shows clearly that Kilauea has its own magma-plumbing system, extending to the surface from more than 60 km deep in the earth.
In fact, the summit of Kilauea lies on a curving line of volcanoes that includes Mauna Kea and Kohala and excludes Mauna Loa. In other words, Kilauea is to Mauna Kea as Lo`ihi is to Mauna Loa. Hawaiians used the word Kilauea only for the summit caldera, but earth scientists and, over time, popular usage have extended the name to include the entire volcano.
Waipiʻo Valley is a valley located in the Hamakua District of the Big Island of Hawaiʻi. “Waipiʻo” means “curved water” in Hawaiian. It was the capital and permanent residence of many early Hawaiian kings up until the time of King Umi. A place celebrated for its red pepper tree known as the “Nioi wela o Paakalana” (The burning Nioi of Pakaalana).
The valley floor at sea level is almost 2000 feet below the surrounding terrain. A steep road (25% average grade) leads down into the valley from a lookout point located on the top of the southern wall of the valley. The shore line in the valley is a black sand beach, popular with surfers. A few taro farms are located in the valley. Several large waterfalls fall into the valley to feed the river which flows from the foot of the largest falls at the back of the valley out to the ocean. The trip up and down will be well worth it. More photos are soon to follow.
Aloha.
Keep your sense of proportion by regularly,
preferably daily, visiting the natural world.
˜ Catilin Matthews
A life without dreams
is like a garden without flowers.
Everything has its beauty
but not everyone sees it.
→ Confucius
So it was written by Confucius,
so it shall be “doneth.”
Surfing the net — looking for quilt ideas (to give to the BGE) I came across a blog worth review. Yes, another blog worthy of inspection. It’s not necessarily the blog that’s worthy, it’s the creativity of a family who resides on Kaui and their collective creative power which is worthy. Even if the quilty-picker-upper isn’t on your docket for the next sewing class, please link over to “Dorky homemade quilts.”
And if you’ve prepared the needle and pattern, sew on.
The latest “make-it-this-month” item is a true Hawaiian-style quilt. The BGE is on it. She’s going to pursue the process and make a KING sized quilt (maybe even like the one pictured herein). Yessur, when you can buy one for X — but make one for Y — then look at the difference Z …. and realize it offsets a future purchase labeled A … you know you’re doing the math correctly.
The math basically says: first, make one and then buy one. With more than one bed in a household, you’re covered (so to speak). Aloha.
The canton of the flag of Hawaii contains the Union Flag of the United Kingdom, prominent over the top quarter closest to the flag mast. The field of the flag is composed of eight horizontal stripes symbolizing the eight major islands (Hawaiʻi, Oʻahu, Kauaʻi, Kahoʻolawe, Lānaʻi, Maui, Molokaʻi and Niʻihau). A ninth stripe was once included representing the island of Nihoa. The color of the stripes, from the top down, follows the sequence: white, red, blue, white, red, blue, white, red. The colors were standardized in 1843, although other combinations have been seen and are occasionally still used.
The answer is simple yet complex: it’s certainly is void of ALL retail, commercial and man-made tourist shiznet. With so few visitors, it’s a very special ‘treat’ to explore the land. And exploration is highly limited due to the vast number of munitions which are buried on the island.
This island is significant because it has had few residents in its storied history. Heck the maximum reported population dates back to 1831 – and totalled 80! The first photo gives us a view of Kaho’olawe prior to anchoring just off its northern shore. Then the second is looking north to Maui’s south shore.
A visit to Kaho’olawe isn’t for everyone. From my readings about Kaho’olawe, a visit is a field trip of sorts – roughing it and connecting with land itself. A visit there is spiritually connective, creating an opportunity to help “heal” the island.
The average person cannot appreciate Aloah ‘aina, and frankly, I’m working on my own understanding. I do know one thing – I appreciate and value the land around me – near my home at the base of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. I have a personal connection to the Great Smoky Mountains with an appreciation of its spiritual power, healing power and connective power – which means I possess a mainland ‘aina of what’s near me. Learning and building my own sense of Aloha ‘aina is important – and thus the reason for visiting Kaho’olawe.
Kah’oolawe (pronounced “ka’ah-oo-la-vay”) is visible from the south shore of Maui. It is a relatively small island measuring in at just 11 miles long and six miles wide. The land is dry and arid; receiving no more than 25 inches of rain annually.
The tale of Kaho’olawe is as intriguing as it is appalling. In the 1830’s King Kamehameha I established a penal colony where men were banished for crimes including promoting the Catholic faith, rebellion, theft, divorce, breaking marriage vows, murder and prostitution. In the late 1840’s King Kamehameha II introduced the “Great Mahele;” the western legal concept of land ownership. Kamehameha II divided the Hawaiian lands among the royalty, and elite. A small portion was reserved for the government. Kaho’olawe was considered government land.
The island was then leased to several ranches. This led to an uncontrollable sheep and goat population; resulting in accelerated erosion and devegitization. The ranches and government spent the next 70 years attempting to eradicate the animals, and revegitate the island. These efforts promptly concluded on December 8, 1941, the day after the infamous attack on Pearl Harbor. On this day, the United States government placed Hawaii under martial law.
During the next 50 years the land of Kaho’olawe suffered a seemingly endless barrage of munitions testing. By the mid 70’s a coalition to save Kaho’olawe was formed, and members of the Protect Kaho’olawe Ohana filed suit requesting that the United States Navy be required to issue an environmental impact report, as well as survey the island to protect all historical sites. In 1981, Kaho’olawe was listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This still wasn’t enough for a cease fire. The military was allowed to continue their practices, however this time limited to just a portion of the island. It wasn’t until 1990 that President George Bush issued a memorandum directing the military to cease using Kaho’olawe as a weapons range. Kaho’olawe and its surrounding waters were returned to the state, and the Hawaiian people.
The folks at Tiki Tattoo, Honolulu, Hawaii – well, they got the right stuff. I’ve enclosed some of their artists’ work herein. The best tat in the group is the Hawaiian woman — note the shading and dimension to Richard’s work. This is some of the best tat work I’ve seen. I’ve shown it to most of my friends who’ve been inked – and the reaction is usually, “wow.” Mine as well. Ink on.
Rainbow Falls is easily reached via a short drive from Hilo. Defined by the Wailuku River, the western edge of Hilo’s downtown core is almost 20 miles long making it the longest of all rivers in the archipelago. At one time the Wailuku was almost impossible to cross at times of extreme rainfall. Today, three picturesque bridges traverse the river offering easy access to Rainbow Falls Hawaii. The main artery of Hilo is Waianuenue Avenue and it’s this route that leads to the falls, one of the many beautiful natural wonders of Big Island. Pictured herein is a photo from 1960 – along with a photo taken in 2002. Aloha.
You can’t discover new oceans unless
you have the courage to leave the shore.
anon
